NFL

WR Hartline reaches deal to remain with Dolphins

MIAMI (AP)

The veteran receiver signed a five-year deal Friday for nearly
$31 million to remain with the Miami Dolphins, his agent said. The
contract includes $12.5 million guaranteed.

''I'm happy; I think they're happy,'' Hartline said. ''That's
probably the good sign of a good deal.''

Quarterback Matt Moore signed a two-year deal to remain as Ryan
Tannehill's backup rather than test free agency and pursue a
possible starting job.

Hartline, who also could have become an unrestricted free agent
Tuesday, instead opted to remain with the team that drafted him in
2009.

''I believe he could have signed for more in the open market
with another team, but he wanted to remain with the Dolphins for
less money,'' agent Drew Rosenhaus wrote in a text message to The
Associated Press.

Hartline tweeted a photo of himself signing the deal in the
Dolphins' offices.

''Blessed to be a Dolphin for 5 more years,'' he tweeted. ''Now
it's time to win some championships.''

Working with rookie Tannehill, Hartline led Miami last season
with 74 receptions for 1,083 yards, both career highs, despite
missing most of the preseason because of injuries. However, he
caught only one touchdown pass and has career totals of six scores
in 183 receptions.

While Hartline is a solid No. 2 target, landing a top receiver
for Tannehill remains the Dolphins' foremost offseason priority,
and they're expected to court free agent Mike Wallace and possibly
Greg Jennings. Miami's wideouts combined for only three touchdown
catches in 2012.

Hartline said he'd be happy to help upgrade the receiving
group.

''As soon as I signed, I'm like, Look, let's go recruiting now.
So I hope I'm invited to those dinners,'' he said.

Moore was beaten out for Miami's No. 1 job last summer by
Tannehill and played in only two games off the bench. The five-year
veteran started 12 games for the Dolphins in 2011 and had his best
season, throwing for 2,497 yards and 16 touchdowns with nine
interceptions, but said he's content with continuing as Tannehill's
backup.

''Whether you're a starter or a backup in this league, it needs
to be the best fit and the right team,'' Moore said. ''To me
there's no other team out there that's perfect. I think myself and
the Miami Dolphins fit perfectly together.''

Moore said remaining with the Dolphins appealed to him partly
because he expects substantial improvement by a team that has
endured four consecutive losing seasons.

''This team is definitely going places,'' he said. ''There are
big things to come, and I didn't want to miss out.''

''I am excited that we have been able to reach an agreement with
both Brian and Matt to keep them as members of the Miami
Dolphins,'' Ireland said in a statement.

''Brian is an ascending player that has steadily improved over
his first four years with the organization. He has represented
himself positively both on the field and throughout the South
Florida community. Matt has been a valuable contributor to the
Dolphins ever since he arrived two seasons ago.''

This week's deals leave the Dolphins with enough salary cap room
to sign at least one major free agent. On Monday, they designated
defensive tackle Randy Starks as their franchise player.

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